9 Wisconsin Cooking Classes to Sharpen Your Skills

By Jonathan EckelbergStaff Writer

Whether you’re looking for a different date idea, a fun way to socialize with friends or want to make a home cooked meal while on vacation, a cooking class in Wisconsin is right up your alley. Get messy in the kitchen making - and tasting - delicious food and creating fun, lasting memories, all while learning from the pros.

Dozens of culinary classes throughout Wisconsin detail the art and science of food preparation. Feed your foodie side with these Wisconsin offerings.

An offering of the fabulous Osthoff Resort, enjoy their 4-5 hour palate-pleaser courses featuring a collection of recipes designed to give you varied experiences in French cuisine. - what greater reason for a visit! A welcoming atmosphere, skilled chefs and a beautiful custom kitchen guide you in developing your culinary passion.

Dedicated to the organic cooking pioneer, Madame Kuony's spirit lives on at the Milwaukee Public Market where many of the Market vendors and the area's top chefs conduct 90-minute classes in the Third Ward building’s upper-level demonstration kitchen. From beginner to seasoned veteran, these cooking classes in Milwaukee are for all skill levels.

Chef John Bogan uses cooking to design classes inside a former parsonage in downtown Lake Geneva. Students receive the opportunity for cooking enthusiasts to experience hands-on meal preparation to develop their own creative cooking talents. Cooking experience is not required.

Ranging from classic techniques like stocks and sauces to cuisine-specific courses like Mexican street food or hearty soups, these hands-on classes are designed to broaden the culinary horizons of any at-home chef. Classes are taught by James Beard-nominated chef, Dave Swanson.

Eating local is the focus for the People’s Food Co-op. A wide span of offerings from healthy eating, cooking for a small household and even homemade chocolate truffles with wine pairing will have you excited to attend. Some topics are even geared toward children. Catch a meal beforehand, or afterward, at Hackberry’s, the bistro located above the grocery.

Terri Milligan, executive chef, has been instructing everyone from professional chefs to cooking novices for more than 20 years. You may have seen her on the Food Channel's "Best of Holiday Cooking.” Chef Milligan offers a Culinary Weekend at the Eagle Harbor Inn, or grab a few friends and select a single day that works for you. Classes fill up quickly!

Take a class with James Beard Award winner, Chef Tory Miller. Here, locally-sourced is of their nature and the supporting of Wisconsin agriculture. You can take a trip around the world and learn to use local products in the tastiest Spanish, Korean and French dishes. Popular is Chef Tory's tapas spread. Come and learn, and you're sure sure to impress your next gathering.

Take a stab at jumping behind the bar at Forequarter and learning the art of shaking up cocktail classics. Bartenders will cover bartending methods and techniques so you can impress your company at your in-home bar. As an added incentive, every participate will go home with UFC housemade vermouth and bitters.

The Savory Spoon caters to the home cook who wants to learn by experience. Chef Janice Thomas will guide you through an evening that includes a demonstration for techniques and tips followed by hands-on cooking and chopping. Enjoy a full meal you have helped to prepare and go home with the confidence to replicate the same meal. Sessions range from global cuisine to Door County’s own unique flavors and ingredients. Savory Spoon operates June-October.